MATRIXSYNTH

The new 2164 Korgasmatron Dual VCF

via Dr. Sketch-n-Etch on Muff's

"I wanted to show off my new MS-20 filter clone. Like the MOTM 420, the Frostwave Resonator, and several others, this filter is based on the later version of the MS-20 filter. However, unlike all the other clones, this one is not a direct (or indirect) copy of the LM13600 OTAs-and-buffers topology of the original. Instead, it is based on the SSM2164 quad VCA chip, and realizes the same transfer function with a VCAs-and-integrators topology. The exponential CV response of the 2164 VCAs obviates the need for exponential converter circuitry. Also, unlike the LM13600-based designs, this filter does not add dc offsets to the signal, and therefore does not require AC coupling capacitors in the signal path.

I've also added a new feature: adjustable limiting voltages in the resonance feedback loops. One problem with the original design (and the clones, I think) is that the resonance amplitude is limited to only 1.8V, and as a result the input signal attenuator has to be set pretty low in order to hear any resonance at all in lowpass mode. My new amplitude control eliminates this problem, and now robust resonance can be obtained without sacrificing signal strength.

Finally, the PCB contains two complete MS-20 style filter circuits, each with all the same features of other popular clones, but with a few additional features as well, including both unipolar and bipolar CV controls, separate three-channel mixer output with optional level control, and optional fine tuning.

A picture of my 4U prototype panel is shown below. This is just one of many panel possibilities, and even this one is missing some of the features available on the PCB for lack of space.

I've also attached some sound clips for your listening pleasure. I'm not much of a production engineer, and all I've got is a little Behringer mixer with no effects and an obsolete version of Cakewalk, so apologies in advance for the crappy sound quality. The last one is my shameless attempt to reproduce the second soundclip on the MOTM 420 webpage with a single filter (the one on the right, if you're curious). This was recorded as a .wav but converted later to an .mp3, so the sound isn't so good, but hopefully the character of the filter still comes through. The other three make use of a triple LFO and my recently redesigned version of Ken Stone's CGS analog shift register, and show some of the formant effects one can achieve with the two Korgasmatron filters in series. However, these only scratch the surface of what this beasty is capable of.

Let me know if you're interested in a handmade PCB."

Bode exhibit at Estey Organ Museum & a Note on The First Modulars

via el macaco on the AH list:

"I had the opportunity to check this exhibit out this past weekend, and I would recommend it to anyone in the Brattleboro, VT area to stop by and check it out. It is mostly pictures and text, with some of Harald Bode's notebooks and such, and some audio files from his tape recordings of his experiments. The organ museum is small but it has many old organs you can play and a walk through pipe organ, which is really the highlight of the place IMO.

I have heard so many times that Bob Moog and Don Buchla independently and at the same time came up with voltage controlled music circuits and a modular format for their synthesizers/electric music boxes around 1963. But Bode had built a voltage controlled modular system with integrated tape echo and reverb in 1960, and had published an article in Electronics magazine in 1961 about 'transistorized modular synthesis circuits. The web sites this article as a big influence on Bob Moog, and I am sure Don Buchla was aware of the article or at least of Bode's work stretching back to his 1937 formant organ and the melocord built for and used by Stockhausen. Bode appears to have built the first barberpole phaser so the influence on Buchla seems plausible. I would love to read the 1961 article, but I haven't found it in my websearches, if anyone has it please let me know.

It seems odd to me, because it wouldn't take anything away from Bob or Don, but it does take away the truth and the legacy of Harald Bode. It always seemed odd that they both came up with such similar systems independently, but it makes sense if they were drawing from the existing state of electronic design. So it seems to me, first voltage controlled modular synthesizer, Harald Bode 1960.

Anywho, they put out a CD of some of Bode's demonstration tapes which is available at the museum or through amazon. [LINK]

some beautiful music and some interesting demonstrations of his devices."

Update via haroldbodenews in the comments:

"Thanks for this great review!

We just posted the 1961 Electronics Magazine article for download.

http://haraldbodenews.wordpress.com/2010/08/31/123/

enjoy!

bests,
rp"

Music for the eyes (Plogue Bidule)

YouTube via GruithuisenCityMan | August 30, 2010

"Hello ! My name is Frederic Gerchambeau. I have made this movie. This is just music to watch, music for the eyes. It has been made with Plogue Bidule Enjoy !
http://www.myspace.com/fredericgercha..."

Akai Mpc 60 beat set on analog fire

YouTube via michal23pl | August 30, 2010

"gear used

Akai Mpc 60: drums and sequencing,
Akai s2000: rhodes piano 73 emulation from Scarbee.
Cheetah ms6: synth
Fat FB383: bassline

Tasam 22-2 tape recorder

thanks for watching"

Red Roland SH-101 with Bag and Sound Direction Series 2 Book / Magazine

via this auction

"The synth comes complete with red Mod Grip, original Japanese Owner's Manual and soft carry case."

Anyone confirm that's the Japanese owner's manual? Anyone know what it is?

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Synton Fenix Modular Synthesizer

via this auction

"This is a very rare dutch made modular synthesizer produced by the original Synton team in the late 1990s. Only 75 units were made (there was a first run of 25 and then a second run of 50. This is part of the second run) This unit for sale is serial number 1129. It is in excellent condition and comes with the power supply and the SKB case.

Specs can be found here

And a review from 1999 is here"

Yamaha SHS-10 Digital FM synth with MIDI

via this auction
"(a musical keyboard that can be held like a guitar)It has 32 minikeys and a pitch-bend wheel, vibrato and sustain buttons, an internal frequency modulation offering 25 different voices with 6-note polyphony, two operators, and a chord sequencer It also has an internal loudspeaker

It supports MIDI, which allows the keyboard to control external MIDI equipment. It does not have a MIDI In connector. The keytar's MIDI out features are very powerful. It has several drum rhythms and accompaniment and tempos can be adjusted.

It includes the following sounds:
synthesizer, violin, flute, jazz organ, cello, piano, rock guitar, electric piano, trombone, trumpet, and many more (25-total sounds)"